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<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=+2>News Release

<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>U.S. Department of the Interior
<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>U.S. Geological Survey

<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>Address
Office of Communication
119 National Center
Reston, VA 20192
<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>Release
Sept. 18, 2004
<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>Contact
Jennifer Leigh Oates
<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>Phone
727-803-8747 x3075
<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=-1>Fax


<font face='Univers condensed',Helvetica,Arial size=+2>Hurricane Ivan’s Impact on Barrier Islands in Before and After Photographs

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey have surveyed the barrier islands battered by Hurricane Ivan and have prepared unique pre- and post-storm photo pairs showing extreme coastal change. The photos will be posted by 5:00 pm today.

"The barrier islands exposed to Ivan's strongest winds -- for example, the communities of Gulf Breeze and Orange Beach, Ala., that were located in the storm’s right front quadrant -- are low lying. The dunes rise up only several meters, insufficient to have contained the increase in sea level of Ivan's storm surge,” said Abby Sallenger, USGS oceanographer. “The Gulf spilled across the islands in a strong current capable of transporting massive amounts of sand landward, undermining buildings and roads, and opening new island breaches. On top of the surge, breaking waves nearly as tall as the water caused deep, eroded dunes and battered structures."

Initial photo pairs can be viewed at:
http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/ivan/photos

High-resolution versions are available to be downloaded from a file distribution Web site:
http://stpfiles.er.usgs.gov/Hurricane_Ivan_Images

If you use any of the images, please credit the U.S. Geological Survey. For more hurricane information visit the USGS Extreme Storms Web site
http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Asbury (Abby) H. Sallenger, Jr., Ph.D., a USGS oceanographer, can be reached by calling 727-803-8747 x3015 or by emailing him at: asallenger@usgs.gov.

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

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U.S. Geological Survey, MS119 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
URL http://www.usgs.gov/public/press/public_affairs/press_releases/pr1931m.html
Contact: joates@usgs.gov
Last Modification: 10-4-2004@11:51am(HF)